National Waterways Museum: Ellesmere Port

Ellesmere Port

Canal & River Trust
Available until 31 December 2026

Explore the National Waterways Museum in Cheshire, home to the nation's designated collection of waterways history

  • Enjoy a relaxing day by the canal
  • Explore historic Grade II listed buildings
  • Uncover the fascinating stories of canal life
  • Keep an eye out for local wildlife!

Discover the National Waterways Museum in Ellesmere Port

  • Free entry for Under 6's!
  • Duration: Spend as little or as long onsite as you like
  • Age Restrictions: Suitable for all ages! 
  • Location: National Waterways Museum, S Pier Rd, Ellesmere Port CH65 4FW
  • Tickets include: Access to museum galleries & exhibitions, entry to historic buildings and canalside areas, use of the Waterside Cafe and Gift Shop

What's On at the National Waterways Museum in Ellesmere Port?

Located in Cheshire, the National Waterways Museum sits on a historic dockside and showcases Britain’s rich canal heritage. Visitors can look forward to exploring Victorian buildings, historic locks and docks, canal boats, and interactive exhibits that bring the waterways to life.

  • Explore historic canal boats: Step aboard beautifully preserved narrowboats and learn how families once lived and worked on the water.
  • Visit Victorian dock buildings: Wander through original warehouses, pump houses, and stables that tell the story of Britain’s industrial past.
  • Discover interactive exhibits: Hands-on displays and digital installations explain how canals were built, used, and maintained.
  • Watch archive footage: View vintage films and oral histories that bring the waterways to life through real voices and stories.
  • Enjoy family-friendly activities: Kids can take part in crafts, trails, and seasonal events designed to make learning fun.
  • Stroll the canal-side paths: Relax with scenic walks along the dockside and watch boats pass through the locks.
  • Waterside Cafe: Take a break from boating history and refresh and refuel yourself with a range of meals, snacks and light bites from the onsite Cafe.
  • Gift Shop: Pick up a wonderful waterways memento to take home! Choose from books, maps, guides, games and toys.

Ready to spend a day filled with education, history and unforgettable nature? Book National Waterways Museums tickets today and have them delivered instantly via email & SMS!

Location

National Waterways Museum

S Pier Rd,
Ellesmere Port,
CH65 4FW
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How to find us

  • By train: The nearest train station is Ellesmere Port. It's on the Liverpool to Ellesmere Port line via Birkenhead and Hooton and connects to Chester. The station is 0.7 miles away – a 15 minute walk along pavements and passes through a subway under the M53. 
  • By bus: Ellesmere Port bus station is 1.1 miles away – a 25 minute walk along pavements and passes through a subway under the M53. 
  • By bike: The towpath alongside the Shropshire Union Canal runs right up to the museum. There is a bike rack facility available outside the museum.
  • By boat: Follow the Shropshire Union Canal all the way to the museum. There are some visitor moorings available in the docks.
  • By road: The museum's postcode is CH65 4FW. Follow the local brown signs for Boat Museum. Once you have come off the M53 roundabout onto Oil Sites Road, look for the National Waterways Museum sign on the left-hand side and turn left into South Pier Road. The entrance to the car park is on the right-hand side opposite the museum entrance.
  • Car parking: There is a large visitor car park opposite the main building with accessible bays marked with level access to the main doorway.
Facilities
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Public transport accessible
  • Accessible parking
  • Toilets
  • Baby-changing
More Info
Is National Waterways Museum wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the National Waterways Museum in Ellesmere Port is wheelchair accessible, though with a few caveats:

  • Accessible parking: There are designated accessible bays in the visitor car park with level access to the main entrance.
  • Facilities: The museum has accessible toilets and baby changing facilities inside the main entrance atrium.
  • Museum access: Most of the main museum is wheelchair accessible, including a lift to the first floor. However, some areas have cobbled surfaces and uneven terrain due to the historic nature of the site.
  • Wheelchair availability: The museum offers two manual wheelchairs on a first-come, first-served basis. You can call ahead to reserve one if needed.
  • Navigation: Visitors receive a map showing the most wheelchair-friendly routes around the site.
Is there food and drink available at National Waterways Museum?

Yes, National Waterways Museum in Ellesmere Port is home to the Waterside Cafe and Gift Shop!

Enjoy plenty of seating with options to eat indoors or outdoors and choose from a menu that offers tasty sandwiches, snacks and light meals.

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